Privateers picked third in SLC men’s basketball preseason poll, Johnson and Jackson receive All-Conference recognition

KINDER – The New Orleans men’s basketball program was picked to finish third in the 2023-2024 Southland Conference Preseason Poll, the league announced Tuesday morning at the conference’s Media Day. Two Privateers were also recognized with preseason honors as senior Jordan Johnson landed on the first team all-conference and senior Tyson Jackson earned a spot on the second team.

Southeastern finished with 144 total points to claim the top spot in the poll, while McNeese finished just two points behind (142), and both teams had six first place votes. With eight returning players and five newcomers, New Orleans collected three first-place tallies and 132 points.

“For us to be picked third shows the people’s opinion of the strength of this league by the strength of our team alone,” said 13th year Head Coach Mark Slessinger.

“If we were picked third best team in this league, then we’ve got a pretty good year coming. I think we have a team that will be right in there in the end. I love our depth. I love everything about our group that we’ve had working so far.”

Johnson is the reigning NCAA Division I statistical champion for Three-Point Field Goal Percentage (48.2%) and the only student-athlete in Privateer history to accomplish such a feat since New Orleans became a Division I program in 1976. In 27 games, the Memphis native averaged a career-high 18 points and 3.8 assists in 33.6 minutes of play per game. Johnson’s 93 three-pointers last season set the record for most three-pointers in a single season in school history.

“It feels like a great accomplishment and shows that I have the spotlight. I did a great job last year, but it does not stop there, I want us to be in first place in the conference,” said Johnson.

“The preseason team ranking is a good start. We are just going to use it as motivation, stick together, and go from there.”

“Jordan is a special player. He’s a record setter. So, this is phenomenal for him, his work ethic, and his family. This is just an awesome piece and opportunity for him to really grow his brand and what we are doing as a team,” said Slessinger.

Jackson returns as the only Privateer to start all 32 games for a consecutive season. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward averaged a career-high 11.4 points per game and a team-high 4.8 rebounds per game. Last season, he reached double-figures 23 times and was second on the team in double-doubles with four.

“Tyson has been the picture of consistency. I don’t know that there has been a power forward in our league over the last three years who has been more consistent. His getting this recognition is very deserving and shows people’s respect for him and his game. So I’m excited to see what kind of year he will have,” said Slessinger.

“I think it’s going to be a fantastic year.”

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